Lüneburger Heide - the Heathland

Discover the lively and colourful side of the Lüneburg Heath. The heath is much more than just an idyllic postcard scene - it has its own, very surprising character. The landscapes and vegetation promise a varied and absorbing natural experience that is unique in Europe. In the three nature parks of the heath, any tourist who loves nature will be overcome by the incredible beauty of the landscape. Did you know that the Lüneburg Heath contains more leisure, experience and wildlife parks close to each other than anywhere else in Germany? This promises to make a stay on the Lüneburg Heath a real adventure for young and old.

In this unique area of natural beauty, and with so many experience and leisure parks, families with children especially have two good reasons for a longer holiday stay here. For strolling and shopping, the two historical towns of Lüneburg and Celle are never far away from your holiday location on the heath. The town centres are full of bars and cafés, and shopping and strolling in Lüneburg and Celle is an experience that is attracting more and more big city dwellers to the heath.

The question at what time the real Heath blossom can be seen often occurs. Provided that the climatic conditions remain balanced the common Besen-Heath (Calluna vulgaris) blushes from the beginning of August until the middle of September. The less common Bog-Heath (Erika tetralix) blossoms already from July on. The heath develops on the dry sandy soil. This artificial landscape is nowadays maintained by the grazing of the Heidschnucke moorland sheep. Try some culinary delicacies such as Heidegeist, a liquor, or roast Heidschnucke in the nature park's friendly restaurants.

Heide-Park Soltau

The Heide-Park near Soltau is a real phenomenon, and it's full of surprises! There's no limit to the opportunities for enjoyment for people of all age groups. You're sure to find something to interest you from among the more than 40 rides in the park. It's full speed ahead on break-neck roller coasters, splashing fun on the water rides and exciting carousel rides.

• http://www.heide-park.de

Gifhorn International Wind and Water Mill Museum

A breath of romance is tangible on a visit to the unique international mill museum in Gifhorn. There are currently 12 original mills on the museum's approx 100,000 square metres of open land, and not just from Germany. The mills are international ranging from an original copy of the historic "Galerieholländer" mill from Park Sanssouci“ to an original Korean watermill which was erected in the museum in 2003. At the edge of the park, on a hill, there is an interesting Russian orthodox wooden church, in which services are held regularly.

• More about Gifhorn and the Mill Museum

Serengeti Park - the Real Safari Experience!

The Hodenhagen Serengeti safari park, Germany's biggest safari and big game reserve, has over 1000 exotic animals. Visitors can experience a real African safari. The animals often stare right into the Serengeti bus or in through your car windows. You can see giraffes, rhinos, camels and many other animals at first hand on the safari road through the animal enclosures.

• http://www.serengeti-park.com

Walsrode Bird Park

Experience the whole breadth of the bird world from every continent and climatic zone in a magnificent park. The over 4,500 birds are kept in a way appropriate to the species in large aviaries, visitor-accessible large indoor aviaries and generous open-air enclosures making the bird park a unique facility. The 240,000 square metres of parkland and gardens are worth a visit to discover the secrets of the bird world at any time of year.

• More about the Bird Park

Center Parcs Bispinger Heide

In the middle of the beautiful countryside of the Lüneburger Heide, an oasis of relaxation and variety awaits you. At Center Parc Bispinger Heide you decide whether to enjoy a little peace and quiet in the individually equipped bungalows or to take advantage of the varied sporting and entertainment programmes. At the heart of the Center Parc, you'll find a leisure pool and wellness centre, where you can thoroughly spoil yourself. Here you can take glorious walks in the area, relax in the fairy-tale surroundings of the Aqua Sana or enjoy yourself in the tropical Aqua Mundo. The Aqua Sana, inspired by the Roman bathing houses, offers various body treatments, massages, Egyptian salt baths or aromatic flower baths.

• http://www.centerparcs.de

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